I’m an advocate for travel at all stages of life, but if you’ve got the travel bug at a young age, listen up. Travelling when you’re young is all about experiencing a world you’ve never seen before. You should be meeting new people, trying new food, being adventurous and avoiding the tourist traps.
I’m going to assume if you’re under 30, your travel budget probably isn’t huge, and hey it doesn’t need to be! Save the luxury poolside resorts for later in life. Instead, experience nature and put yourself in situations you won’t be comfortable with after you’re 30 (like sleeping outside on a bed of rocks under the mountains…okay maybe I’ll still be okay with this after 30). Point is, save the luxury hotels and resorts for later and experience raw travel while you’re young.
Here’s why you have to visit Iceland before you’re 30
Budget Friendly
Now this is the most important factor when deciding where to travel at a young age. We have our entire lives to spend money on luxurious vacations but our youth is about “making it work”. If you’re on a limited budget you can still have an amazing time in Iceland because the highlights of a trip there are all free! You’ll need to invest in a rental car (which you can do for an extra daily fee if you’re under 25) and some camping gear but that’s pretty much it! If you’re willing to rough it a bit and really experience the land of fire and ice, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime without breaking the bank.
Road Trip Vibes
As I mentioned above, the country is perfect for a road trip. Whether you have 4 or 12 days, you can plan a trip in Iceland that is sure to wow you. There’s nothing like a road trip when you’re young and experiencing the diversity that is the Icelandic landscape, you’re sure to be impressed. I travelled around the country in 2018 with some rough plans and a car and was able to see the entire country in 10 days (from the capital to the Western Fjords and highlands).
Wild Camping
Iceland is one of the few countries in the world that allows wild camping! Wondering what that means? Well basically you’re allowed to pitch your tent anywhere in the country for free, as long as you’re not on someone’s property and you’re respectful of the land. Don’t be scared of this…it’s actually one of the most liberating travel experiences I’ve ever had. If you’re not a camper, your youth is the perfect time to try something new. I had never camped before my time in Iceland and next thing I knew I had slept outside for 10 days straight.
The People
Worried about feeling safe while exploring? No need to worry if you’re in Iceland (aka one of the safest countries in the world). Whether you’re a solo female, a young couple or a group of friends, there’s really no need to worry about your belongings or fear of kidnapping in this country. Almost all of the tourists are backpackers or on group bus tours and their crime rates are exceptionally low. Iceland is also one of the only countries in the world without mosquitos so no need to worry much about bugs.
